The Sixth Edition of THE SPEAKER'S HANDBOOK continues to distinguish itself from the other public speaking texts currently available. It is both a reference for the individual speaker and an excellent textbook for use in the public speaking course. THE SPEAKER'S HANDBOOK provides a flexible format where each of the chapters can stand alone, enabling the speaker to consult only those parts of the book covering the aspects of public speaking with which they need guidance. Responding to the notion of a handbook as a reference tool, sections not heavily used by readers of prior editions have been deleted and some chapters have been combined. Engaging sample speeches, now on a book-specific Web site, are brief examples of the major types of speeches given in academic and non-academic settings. Particular emphasis has been placed on including new electronic and telecommunication tools available for speakers, ranging from Internet research to presentational software. The text explores the uses of these technologies and provides cautions about using them uncritically or inappropriately.

Benefits:

NEW! "New Foundations" section (Part 1) combines revised and new chapters establishing the groundwork for public speaking fundamentals, including Ethics, Overcoming Fear, and a new chapter on listening.

Language is seen as a primary communicative process rather than an adornment or frill, arguing for a sensitive and appropriate use of words and symbols.

A chapter on "Speaking Ethics" draws together key points previously distributed throughout the book and provides guidelines for responsible speaking. The ethical decisions speakers make are treated as a series of careful balancing acts, not as clear-cut dos and don'ts.

A chapter on practicing for speech presentations provides concrete suggestions and timetables for this important dimension of speech preparation.

The handbook format continues to deliver a thorough system of cross-referencing for rapid identification and access.

NEW! New chapter devoted to "Listening" (Chapter 2) clarifies the role of this important communication skill in the public speaking process.

NEW! New chapter on "Adapting to Speaking Contexts" (Chapter 23) helps students link their speaking objectives with specific occasions and audiences.

NEW! Accompanying each new copy of the text is the SpeechMaker CD-ROM. This award-winning CD-ROM brings together text, full motion video, sound, and the Internet to create a dynamic exploration of the steps involved in speech development. Users are taken on a fully interactive, simulated walkthrough of four complete speeches-two informative and two persuasive-and they are given the opportunity to create their own speeches as well.

NEW! InfoTrac® College Edition exercises integrated throughout the text help direct speakers to appropriate and credible source material through InfoTrac® College Edition.

NEW! Weblinks to the book-specific Web site connect students to sample speeches and Web-based activities to apply concepts and skills presented in the text.

Public speaking is treated as a blend of communicative resources: writing, performance and conversation.

Audience members are analyzed not just in terms of their traits and characteristics but also in terms of the processes by which they make sense of messages. Reasoning is discussed in terms of the links people draw between data and conclusions. The text discusses how people can "logically" reach opposite conclusions from the same evidence, emphasizing the need to spell out and justify the links in ones reasoning.

The Sixth Edition of THE SPEAKER'S HANDBOOK continues to distinguish itself from the other public speaking texts currently available. It is both a reference for the individual speaker and an excellent textbook for use in the public speaking course. THE SPEAKER'S HANDBOOK provides a flexible format where each of the chapters can stand alone, enabling the speaker to consult only those parts of the book covering the aspects of public speaking with which they need guidance. Responding to the notion of a handbook as a reference tool, sections not heavily used by readers of prior editions have been deleted and some chapters have been combined. Engaging sample speeches, now on a book-specific Web site, are brief examples of the major types of speeches given in academic and non-academic settings. Particular emphasis has been placed on including new electronic and telecommunication tools available for speakers, ranging from Internet research to presentational software. The text explores the uses of these technologies and provides cautions about using them uncritically or inappropriately.

Benefits:

NEW! "New Foundations" section (Part 1) combines revised and new chapters establishing the groundwork for public speaking fundamentals, including Ethics, Overcoming Fear, and a new chapter on listening.

Language is seen as a primary communicative process rather than an adornment or frill, arguing for a sensitive and appropriate use of words and symbols.

A chapter on "Speaking Ethics" draws together key points previously distributed throughout the book and provides guidelines for responsible speaking. The ethical decisions speakers make are treated as a series of careful balancing acts, not as clear-cut dos and don'ts.

A chapter on practicing for speech presentations provides concrete suggestions and timetables for this important dimension of speech preparation.

The handbook format continues to deliver a thorough system of cross-referencing for rapid identification and access.

NEW! New chapter devoted to "Listening" (Chapter 2) clarifies the role of this important communication skill in the public speaking process.

NEW! New chapter on "Adapting to Speaking Contexts" (Chapter 23) helps students link their speaking objectives with specific occasions and audiences.

NEW! Accompanying each new copy of the text is the SpeechMaker CD-ROM. This award-winning CD-ROM brings together text, full motion video, sound, and the Internet to create a dynamic exploration of the steps involved in speech development. Users are taken on a fully interactive, simulated walkthrough of four complete speeches-two informative and two persuasive-and they are given the opportunity to create their own speeches as well.

NEW! InfoTrac® College Edition exercises integrated throughout the text help direct speakers to appropriate and credible source material through InfoTrac® College Edition.

NEW! Weblinks to the book-specific Web site connect students to sample speeches and Web-based activities to apply concepts and skills presented in the text.

Public speaking is treated as a blend of communicative resources: writing, performance and conversation.

Audience members are analyzed not just in terms of their traits and characteristics but also in terms of the processes by which they make sense of messages. Reasoning is discussed in terms of the links people draw between data and conclusions. The text discusses how people can "logically" reach opposite conclusions from the same evidence, emphasizing the need to spell out and justify the links in ones reasoning.